Khunjerab Pass Update 2024: Khunjerab Pass has reopened on 3rd April 2024, making it accessible for tourism and trade activities. Tourism was closed since November 2022, but as trade route, it was closed for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Known for its stunning views and significance as a key route for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the reopening of Khunjerab Pass is a significant development for travelers to explore the scenic beauty of the region and experience the cultural exchange between Pakistan and China.
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It is the highest international border in the world. Its height is 15,528ft, it is located in the Karakorum mountains, on the northern border of Pakistan, and on the southwest border of China. The pass has important value for both countries for trade purposes. It does get affected due to heavy snow, however, the authorities do their best to make it clear after the weather gets clear.
Khunjerab Pass National Park Ticket Costs around Rs. 1,500. You must have your national identity card or passport to visit Khunjerab pass.
Khunjerab Pass Map
Khunjerab is situated in the district Hunza, Gilgit. The last known town is Sost, if you’re traveling to Khunjerab then you better have some eatables with you. It is around 770 km from the capital city, Islamabad, and 170 km from Hunza valley. Here is Khunjerab Pass Map:
The Pak China Border – Khunjerab Top Opened
As Khunjerab Pass is located at 15,397 ft above sea level, it remains open the whole year. However, it also receives heavy snow during winter, the road gets blocked. As it is an important route for trade between Pakistan and China, whenever it snows, the authorities do their best to clear out the road. In summer there is no problem getting to the Khunjerab pass top.
Khunjerab National Park
Khunjerab National park is located in Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan. It is the third-largest park in Pakistan. The park is famous for snow leopards, Siberian ibex, Himalayan brown bear, Red fox, yak, Marco Polo sheep, marmots, Eurasian Lynx, and many more.
Khunjerab Pass Road Update:
2024: Currently, the Pass is open from the Sost check post till Khunjerab Pass top. However, the snow has melted from Khunjerab road, and it is good to go for the tourists. Also, there has been little land sliding on the third tunnel as well. The road is one of the most majestic roads in the world, also known as the silk road. Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes, it was established during the Han Dynasty of China, which linked the regions of the ancient world in commerce between 130 BCE-1453 CE. The road is usually blocked due to heavy snow in winters, however, it gets cleared as soon as authorities possibly can.
The distance from Khunjerab pass to Islamabad is 740 km via road. It takes approximately 10 hours, and 30 minutes to drive from Islamabad to the Pass. Moreover, the distance from Islamabad to Gilgit via flight is 29 km, then from Gilgit city to Khunjerab pass via road distance is 210 km (4 hours, 30 minutes). You can also book a car from Islamabad for the Khunjearb pass tour with complete tourism facilities.
Here is how it looks in winters:
Khunjerab Pass Weather Update:
The weather at Khunjerab is quite sunny nowadays. The peaks are still covered with snow, however, the road is clear as the snow from the road has melted. The weather at Khunjerab gets cloudy after a couple of days during summer. Moreover, it will start receiving heavy snowfall from November to April.
Khunjerab Pass Facts
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 4,693 meters (15,528 feet) |
| Location | Hunza-15801, Pakistan-administered Gilgit–Baltistan / Xinjiang, China |
| Coordinates | 36.85°N 75.427777777778°E |
| Range | Karakoram Range |
| Chinese Name | Traditional: 紅其拉甫山口, Simplified: 红其拉甫山口 |
| Other Nearby Pass | Mutsjliga Pass, elevation: 5,314 meters (17,434 feet), coordinates: 36.97374°N 75.2973°E |
| Etymology | “Khun” means blood and “Jerab” means a creek from a spring or waterfall (Wakhi language) |
| Notability | Highest paved international border crossing, highest point on Karakoram Highway |
| Construction Year | Road across the pass completed in 1982 |
| Traffic Changes | Changes from left-hand traffic (Pakistan) to right-hand traffic (China) |
| Seasonal Closure | Closed for heavy vehicles from Nov 30 to May 1, and all vehicles from Dec 30 to April 1 |
| Highest ATM | World’s highest ATM, administered by the National Bank of Pakistan |
| Daily Bus Service | Available since June 1, 2006, from Gilgit to Kashgar, Xinjiang |
| Railway Project | Feasibility study started in November 2009, linking Havelian (Pakistan) to Kashgar (China) |
Khunjerab Top Latest Pictures:
Here are the latest pictures of the Khunjerab top.:
